LaDainian Tomlinson earned induction in his first year of eligibility as did defensive end Jason Taylor. Kicker Morten Andersen, quarterback Kurt Warner and running back Terrell Davis were the other modern-era candidates elected Saturday, with contributor candidate Jerry Jones and seniors candidate Kenny Easley.
Terrell Owens, in his second year of eligibility, again was eliminated in the reduction vote from 15 to 10 along with Isaac Bruce, Don Coryell, Alan Faneca and Joe Jacoby. John Lynch, Brian Dawkins, Tony Boselli, Ty Law and Kevin Mawae were eliminated in the cut to five.
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, a contributors candidate along with Jones, became the first finalist voted down since seniors candidate Dick Stanfel in 2012.